What is Rotator Cuff Injury?
Rotator Cuff muscles are a group of shoulder blade muscles that support the arm on the glenohumeral joint. As the shoulder is nested in a shallow socket and there is a lack of ligaments in this region, any weakness of the rotator cuff muscles makes it easy for partial dislocation, which is the head of the shoulder partially sliding way out of the socket, or full dislocation, when there is a complete slide out of the socket.
Injuries to rotator cuffs include: falling on an outstretched arm, lifting with faulty body mechanics and repetitive arm activities especially those done overhead like throwing a basketball or placing items on overhead shelves. Signs and symptoms of the injury include pain and tenderness in the shoulder area, weakness of shoulder muscles and limitation of shoulder motions.